FSM Essential Game Recap: VGK vs Winnipeg Jets - Game 69

Game Recap: VGK vs Winnipeg Jets

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Golden Knights (37-24-8) vs Jets (35-28-6)

 

It’s not that the sky is falling just yet.  The Vegas Golden Knights, after all, retain their 1st place status in the Pacific Division and remain masters of their own destiny as the NHL regular season winds down to its final month. 

 

It is concerning, however, that their play has become inconsistent as of late as opposed to the way they were looking in the middle of their 8-game winning streak just last week. The Golden Knights were blanked 4-0 by the Winnipeg Jets Friday night at Bell MTS Place in the first of a five-game road stretch. The defense was thoroughly outskated, the offense couldn’t get anything going, and Marc-Andre Fleury was far from his best self.  Safe to say, the Golden Knights have had better days.

It was just 32 seconds into the game when the Jets moved ahead on the scoreboard. Winnipeg left winger Nikolaj Ehlers showing off his incredible speed, skated around Fleury’s net, and launched a wrist shot that ricocheted off Ryan Reaves’ stick and sent the puck past a confused Fleury. To add insult to injury, an assist was credited to former Golden Knights forward, Cody Eakin on the play.  Eakin was traded to the Jets last month due to low productivity with the Golden Knights, but it took just 32 seconds for the former Knight to start producing against his previous team.

Less than four minutes had passed since the opening score when Nick Cousins was sent into the penalty box for tripping Eakin.  The Jets did not squander the power play opportunity and quickly made it 2-0 off the stick of Patrik Laine. Neal Pionk’s initial shot on goal was saved by Fleury, but Laine was there to score on the rebound to pull the Jets further ahead.

 

The Golden Knights were not able to stop the bleeding just yet. 

 

Less than two minutes remained in the opening frame when Jack Roslovic intercepted a pass from Nicolas Roy and went on the offensive, taking advantage of a 2-on-1 opportunity.  Roslovic and Kyle Connor made easy work of Brayden McNabb, and Connor made it 3-0 for the Jets off Roslovic’s assist.

As the 2nd period began, the Golden Knights continued to put pressure on Connor Hellebuyck’s net to try to get back into the game, but the Jets’ goalie was not having any of it.  Every shot on goal attempted by the Golden Knights was stopped by Hellebuyck Friday night, and with that, the Knights’ offensive output began to dwindle as the game progressed, and nothing seemed to be going their way.  

The final nail in the coffin came at 12:15 of the 2nd period when Jonathan Marchessault was sent to the penalty box for hooking Eakin. With 15 seconds left in the power play, Mathieu Perreault, assisted by Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers, made it a decisive 4-0 for the Jets.

 

The 3rd period was merely a formality for both teams, who were satisfied to call it a night after Perreault’s final goal. 

 

The Golden Knights only managed six shots on goal in the closing frame versus the Jets’ 5 chances, making for an uneventful 3rd period. The Golden Knights will now make their way to Calgary to play the Flames Sunday. The Flames currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division, just 3 points behind the Knights.

This game will be followed by a visit to the Edmonton Oilers Monday, who are currently in 2nd.  Both of these games will be tough tests for the Knights to remain at the top of the division. The loss to the Los Angeles Kings last Sunday and again to the Jets Friday means they can’t afford to lose to their division rivals who are nipping at their heels for the Pacific’s top spot.

VGK vs Winnipeg Jets     VGK vs Winnipeg Jets     VGK vs Winnipeg Jets     VGK vs Winnipeg Jets     VGK vs Winnipeg Jets

-Leo Schauer – Franchise Sports Media

 

Las Vegas! If you want another great place to watch the fights, head to Al’s Garage in Summerlin. There are multiple televisions to watch all the games. Al’s has “Happy Hour” starting at 9 AM and ending at 9 PM. Al’s Garage is located at 11760 W. Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135. Tell them, “The Franchise sent you!!”

 

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